I wish to buy a new bicycling machine. Possibly, I believe, one known as a hybrid. Lighter than a mountain bike but sturdy enough for the occasional bridle path, all very Famous Five. For fair-weather pootling, not commuting and shouting at buses.

Any recommendations of a good place west of Somerset where, for preference, I might be able to sit on a few and possibly get some advice from a grown-up?

Sorry, missed the last reply - I'm looking to pay less than £200 (it's the first time I've ever bought a *new* bike) but have gritted my teeth and budgeted up to £300.

I went to that lot suggested by Sean today and they were indeed very nice and helpful and not patronising or pointy and laughy. I also steeled myself to Barnstaple's industrial heartland and went to these people and they were also very nice and helpful and not patronising or pointy and laughy.

Now I just have to decide on which of their recommendations to follow for which I am going to try a new thread.